POCKET GUN AMT "BACKUP"

 By Dennis Beyer

AMT BACKUP

380/9MM

Above is an original "Backup Gun" by AMT of California. The full name of the company was Arcadia Machine & Tools. This gun was made in Irwindale, California.

AMT developed this firearm in the late 1970's after purchasing the company from Ordnance Manufacturing Company of El Monte, Ca. The initial caliber was .380.

Over the years the gun was made in .22 LR, .380, 9 MM, .357, .40, and .45 calibers.

These guns packed a wallop. Because of that they were advertised as the "smallest, most powerful" backup or pocket gun, when sold in the .45 caliber version.

AMT eventually became Galena Industries, and that company was taken over by High Standard in the early 2000's.

The gun above is part of the small collection of firearms that I have. It weighs 18 Oz. It is 5" stainless, and despite being around 60 years of age still fires. It takes a baby 9 MM or as described on the frame a "380/9mm kurz."

TAMPA BAY POLICE COLLECTORS SHOW

SPECIAL DEPUTY SHERIFF: OCEAN COUNTY

 

This is the Eighth Installment of  Special Deputy Sheriff's in New Jersey. The County featured in this post is OCEAN COUNTY. 

This County has a lot of nice beach communities facing the Atlantic Ocean. In the summer the population increases dramatically. The "Job" could be described as a fun work, especially doing bikini patrol on white sandy beaches. The "Specials" likely had other assignments.   

Somehow I got lucky and obtained both of these badges for my display. They are on the small side and measures 1.00" by 0.75". 

There are two Panels and a Ring on the face of these badges, with recessed letters. The blue enamel fill is still in good shape (Badge on right) with the very visible words:    SPECIAL,  DEPUTY SHERIFF,  OCEAN CO,  NJ.

At the bottom of these badges are panels with the identifiers of "N.J." (left) and "M94" (right).

At Center Point is a Seal of the State of New Jersey. One Seal sits in a Blue Circle, while the second does not. I estimate these rare pieces to date back to the 1950's. 

Despite their age these badges are in excellent condition. They are under glass with their brothers in this Special Deputy Collection. It hangs on the wall in my Den where I see it every day. I am very glad to have it.